When I was in Nashville last month for the ARVC Convention I saw a poster that made me think. (I have looked all over and can't find a copy of it :( ah well.) It showed a freeway with many exit and road signs. But as you looked at the words on the signs they did not make any sense. It was a poster for the Literacy Campaign and the words on the bottom half of the poster talked about how over one in five people in Nashville are functionally illiterate. This percentage just blew me away. I figure I spend at least 25% of my life reading something, whether it be a book or a work ad or emails or blogs; to not be able to do any of those things........
Some of my oldest memories are sitting by my dad listening to him read to us at night. Reading has always been an escape for me. It is one of my greatest joys and I cannot imagine what it would be like to not be able to read. There is always at least one book on my bedside table, one in my car and several scattered around the house. This last year I have also taken to listening to more books on tape/cd while I drive in the car or work around the house. But, I always consider these as a supplement not the only way to get a story. So I am very grateful for growing up with a love of reading in all its' forms and the ability to indulge it.
A little chance to do some painting
2 years ago
Wow, that is a high percentage!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine not being able to write. The thought nearly knocks me over!
Thank you for the daily thoughts to be grateful for, Holly! It has been a treat so far, and I'm looking forward to the remaining seven days' insights.
ReplyDeleteWords have been a joy of my life. I'm an addicted reader and an amateur writer. I think I spend a good 75% or more of my waking hours reading or composing. The only form of communication I enjoy more is music.
It is hard for even me to believe that in elementary school I had to attend special reading classes in the back trailer to catch up to my age level. I can only suspect it was the very reason that you mentioned: Dad would read to us as kids. So I associated reading with special Dad time and didn't want to lose that. When it turned out I could enjoy Dad's special gift and also read on my own... well, they have a name for my kind: Bookworm. ;->
I LOVE reading. Anyone who knows me well knows this about me. I credit my mother who taught me how to read before kindergarten, and my father who was always willing to read me a story. I hope to pass this love of reading on to my children. Maybe if we all did that we could put a dent in that illiteracy percentage. :)
ReplyDelete